Valery Gergiev exclusive: ‘It’s hugely important for young children to be included in the great world of classical music’

By Elizabeth Davis , 12th May 2015, 16:54

Russian conductor Valery Gergiev has said that he believes it’s vital for young children to be exposed to classical music.

In an exclusive interview with Classic FM, Gergiev said: “Stravinsky was nine when he met Tchaikovsky, who shook his hand and spoke to him for a few minutes… so it’s important at this age to be already included in the great world of classical music.”

Previous winners of the competition – which includes piano, violin, cello and voice categories – include pianists Vladimir Ashkenazy, Barry Douglas and Peter Donohoe as well as soprano Deborah Voigt. The competition is open to competitors aged 16-32.

“This Competition is for some of the competitors a first step for them,” said Gergiev, “for some of them it’s the last step of their youth.”